The Maori TV board is expected appoint Maniapoto Maori Trust deputy chairman Keith Ikin as its new chief executive. He replaces Paora Maxwell who resigned on May 8 ending his contentious term on August 31. Ikin has a background in management. He is currently general manager of Landcare Research, and deputy chief executive of the Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Challenges at new Maori TV studio

On May 8, Zagzigger.com wrote:

Paora Maxwell has resigned as chief executive of Maori TV just as the channel moves to a new base in East Tamaki. Maxwell’s resignation comes part way through his contract and is attributed to unspecified “changes in his personal and business circumstances.” Maxwell had previously been head of the Maori unit at Television New Zealand and the process for his appointment – championed by Maori TV chairwoman Georgina te Heuheu – was at the centre the centre of controversy. Maori TV sources linked his resignation to tensions in the relationship between management and Maori TV board over the selection of long-term commitment to a new leasehold building in East Tamaki. a source said. The building (which has an out-of-the-way location) has required substantial spending on a fit out and has limited studio space.

Change the top of Maori comes at a significant time for Maori TV and for Maori politics. The broadcaster has had limited success at meeting its main aim to increase the of the Maori language. At a political level the channel has been aligned with the Maori Party. Maori Part leader Te Ururoa Flavell has been Maori Development Minister under National government.

But Labour took all of the Maori seats in the election. The Maori Development portfolio is now held by Nanaia Mahuta of Tainui. Maniapoto is part of Tainui.

Willie and JT when they shared the microphone at RadioLive.

Willie Jackson – who leads the Labour Maori caucus – has had a significant role in Maori TV and in Maori broadcasting politics.

Jackson and former Labour Cabinet minister John Tamihere control the Urban Maori Authorities in Manukau and Waipareira.

The trusts jointly own Radio Waatea.

On March 31 last year Tamihere was appointed to the board of Maori TV.